Forming EMS advisory group a good step toward transparency

The city of Aurora’s decision to form a citizens advisory committee to evaluate its ambulance operations is a welcome and necessary move, for several important reasons.
Two months after a city audit raised serious concerns about a growing EMS budget and dwindling reserves, city officials are now seeking outside input. That’s a good first step, though it’s only one of many that will be needed to improve communication and understanding of this important issue. Based on the March audit report, the current model of EMS operations, while providing a high level of service, appears to have outpaced the city’s financial capacity to sustain it.
City Administrator Rick Melcher and EMS Captain Kirt Smith acknowledge the pressure the system is under, citing staff shortages and the challenges of maintaining a 24/7 paramedic-level service. As explained in this week’s ANR report, the city’s EMS revenue is heavily dependent on the ability of staff to perform inter-facility transfers, which are often difficult to maintain without enough paramedics on duty.
On that note, it’s critical that EMS employees hear and know that they are valued and appreciated by the community, as none of this operational debate is in any way a reflection on their performance. As documented in ANR’s April 9 “Lights and Sirens” special tribute edition, the first responders who serve and protect Hamilton County make our communities safer, stronger and better, and they are sincerely appreciated!
The advisory committee now has the task of helping sort through the data and identifying ways to make the system more efficient and financially stable. That includes reexamining staffing levels, transfer policies, and even how the county partnership is handled, since city crews respond to a significant share of calls outside city limits.
City leaders deserve credit for opening up the process, but transparency must now lead to action. The community is watching not only to see how the city explains this budget shortfall, but how it plans to fix it without compromising other city services.
The problems are clear. The process is underway. What matters most now is that citizens remain engaged, reading and sharing this detailed information, and that the city follows through with tough, informed decisions.
This is a good step forward.
-- Kurt Johnson